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One of the company had made up as the mathematical professor. In a nasal tone he made a rambling speech, in which he introduced mathematical allusions, and used some of the favorite phrases of the rather dull and prosy instructor, with whom all the students were familiar, some to their sorrow. It seemed to be very amusing to the boys present, as shown by their hearty laughter, but of course Doctor Mack could not appreciate it.

Other songs and other speeches followed. Though for the most part college songs, there were some of a more serious character. Time slipped by, and at length Doctor Mack saw by his watch that it was half-past eleven.

β€œHow long will they keep it up, I wonder?” he asked himself. β€œI feel drowsy.”

He was answered by the chairman.

β€œBrothers,” he said, β€œtime waits for no man. The hour has arrived when, according to agreement, we must wind up our festivities. Hand in hand we will sing 'Auld Lang Syne,' hoping, at some auspicious season after the coming vacation is over, to have another good time. I thank you all for accepting my invitation, and hope you have enjoyed yourselves.”

β€œThree cheers for Sherwood!” cried one of the company.

They were given with a will. Then the parting song was sung, and the students retired to their rooms in one of the college dormitories.

Doctor Mack went thoughtfully to bed.

β€œIt is well I came,” he reflected. β€œWalter has done nothing decidedly wrong as yet, but it is evident he is not improving.”

β€œWell,” said James Holdens as he met Doctor Mack the next morning, β€œdid you hear the boys last night?”

β€œI couldn't very well help it,” answered the doctor, smiling. β€œThat young Sherwood seems to be very popular.”

β€œYes, sir; he is very free with his money.”

β€œIn what other way does he spend it?”

β€œMr. Daniels keeps half a dozen horses to let to students and others. Sherwood hires a team at least twice a week, and of course it counts up.”

β€œI was not able to spend money in that way when I attended college.”

β€œThen you are a college graduate?” said Holden.

β€œYes.”

β€œDid you graduate at Euclid?”

β€œNo; I am a Yale man.”

β€œI congratulate you, sir; I should like to graduate from Yale.

β€œI hope you may, some time, my young friend. You would derive more benefit, I'll be bound, than those young roysterers of last evening.”

β€œI hope they didn't keep you awake, sir.”

β€œThey certainly did as long as they stayed. I should have gone to bed soon afterward, but that I had something on my mind. By the way, don't mention to any of the students that they had an unseen listener.”

β€œNo, sir.”

Doctor Mack took the first train after breakfast, and returned to his home without seeing his ward.

Nancy Sprague questioned him eagerly.

β€œAnd how is Master Walter?” she asked.

β€œVery well, indeed, Nancy.”

β€œWas he surprised to see you?”

β€œHe didn't see me, Nancy.”

β€œHe didn't see you!” ejaculated the housekeeper.

β€œNo; the fact was, I went away on a matter of business, and it was not convenient to call on Walter. But I heard him.”

β€œI don't see how you could have been near him without seeing him.”

β€œI shall see him soon, Nancy, and so will you. In two weeks vacation will be here. Examinations are near, and I might have interfered with his studies,” the doctor added, with a little innocent evasion.

β€œTo be sure, sir! To be sure! I make no doubt Master Walter is a great scholar.”

β€œI have very strong doubts on that point myself,” thought Doctor Mack, but he did not care to express himself thus to Nancy.

β€œI am so glad the dear boy is coming home soon,” murmured the housekeeper. β€œHe has been studying so hard he needs a good long rest. I will make some cookies expressly for him after he comes. I don't believe he gets any at college.”

β€œI wonder what Nancy would say if she could have seen Walter presiding at the supper, and heard the songs?” thought Doctor Mack.





CHAPTER IV THE DAY AFTER THE FEAST

The same morning, in a comfortably furnished room in Simpson Hall, sat, or rather lounged, Walter Sherwood.

β€œI feel sleepy this morning, Gates,” he said to his chum. β€œI can't fix my mind on this confounded logic.”

β€œNo wonder, Sherwood. You have good reason to be tired after last evening.”

β€œThat's so! We had a good time, though. I am sorry you couldn't accept my invitation.”

β€œI couldn't afford it, Sherwood. You know we are very differently situated. You are rich, while I am the oldest son of a country minister, with all I can do to get through college. As it is, I shall be in debt.”

β€œWhy not be in debt to me? You never would accept anything from me.”

β€œYes, I did. I have let you go to the entire expense of furnishing this room, though I have an equal share in it.”

β€œOh, that's nothing! You pay me in helping me through my lessons when I am behind. If you hadn't read my Horace to me the other day I should have flunked as sure as can be.”

β€œIt would be better for you to get your own lesson, Walter.”

β€œWell, I suppose it would,” answered his roommate, yawning. β€œI wish you could drive this logic into my head. I suppose I am unusually stupid this morning.”

β€œSuppose we go over it together.”

Fifteen minutes later Walter said complacently: β€œThanks, old fellow; you have made it as plain as a pikestaff.”

β€œAnd very likely you will get a higher mark at the recitation than I.”

β€œWell, perhaps so,” laughed Walter. β€œI suppose it is because I have more cheek than you.”

β€œYou can do better on slight preparation, certainly. You talk like a

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